ISLAMABAD: Traditional and famous dishes of Turkiye were under the spotlight again, at the glamorous Turkish food festival that opened Wednesday night in collaboration with the Serena Hotel.

Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye Mehmet Pacaci announced the festival open. Food prepared by renowned chefs Serdar Ongel, Davut Kutlugun, Yalcin Kokmen and Chef de Partie from Cragan Palace Kempinski (Istanbul) was featured in the festival. The festival also featured classical musical by the trio Osman Kirklikci on oud, Sukru Turkmen on solfege and Serkan Ozdemir on cello.

“Experience truly Turkish food, prepared by Ciragan Palace Chefs star, which is part of the Cultural Diplomacy Initiative, focusing on creating and cultivating diplomatic ties,” Mr Pacaci told Dawn.

“Pakistan and Turkey, share a bond that dates back to 75 years of friendship and support. This Culinary Arts festival was a collaboration between Serena Hotels and the only 17th-century Ottoman imperial palace and hotel on the Bosphorus, Cragan Palace, Kempinski, Istanbul,” he said and appreciated chefs and musicians who came from Turkiye to promote Turkish culture and cuisine among Pakistanis.

Delicacies such as Lamb Tandir with Mint, Tas-kebab with grilled pepper and tomato and Mastic flavoured poached sea bass with mushroom and dill transported Pakistanis to Turkiye, as Zamana Restaurant was transformed into a Turkish wonderland. Guests also welcomed Su Borek cheese and spinach with baby potato with thyme and rosemary, Fava broad beans, and Kisir, cracked bulgar.

Otto Kurzendorfer, who is the general manager at Serena Hotel, said: “Serena is delighted to welcome back chef de cuisine Serdar Ongel, sous partie, Davut KutlugUn and chef de partie, Yalcin Kokmenfor, for the fourth year in a row. They are responsible for preparing many of the superb meals at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul.”

“We are happy to work with the embassy of the Republic of Turkiye on their national day and their support in organising the Fund Raising Gala Dinner to raise funds for those affected by the floods.

“An amount of Rs4.6 million was collected from the gala dinner, which was hosted an evening before and was attended by people from all walks of life including the diplomatic community, corporate sector, and business community whose contribution will help provide relief for the flood affected,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2022